Navy arrests 12 suspects over illegally transporting sea cucumbers in Mannar

Twelve individuals were detained yesterday (28) during a special Naval operation conducted at the Southbar beach and its land areas in Mannar. The suspects were illegally transporting a large consignment of sea cucumbers without a valid licence.

Personnel from the Sri Lanka Naval Ship Gajaba, operating under the North Central Naval Command, executed the raid acting on intelligence received by the camp.

The operation seized 14,072 sea cucumbers, three dinghies, and two motorcycles.

The apprehended suspects, aged between 24 and 46, are residents of Mannar.

The confiscated items and the suspects were handed over to the Mannar Assistant Fisheries Inspector Office to continue further legal action.